Snow deflector unit

ABSTRACT

A sheet metal snow deflector unit comprising an apertured baseplate having a tapered column extending upwardly therefrom into a generally pyramidal shaped deflector secured to the baseplate. The deflector comprises a pair of substantially triangular sidewalls connected along a line which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the baseplate to define a cleavage edge for a mass of snow moving down an inclined roof to which the deflector unit is secured to protect a vent pipe projecting through the roof into the deflector. The front wall of the deflector comprises a wire mesh screen to permit exhaust to emanate from the vent pipe.

United States Patent Primary Examiner-Al fred C. Perham Alt0rneyFlehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert ABSTRACT: A sheet metal snow deflector unit comprising an apertured baseplate having a tapered column extending upwardly therefrom into a generally pyramidal shaped deflector secured to the baseplate. The deflector comprises a pair of substantially triangular sidewalls connected along a line which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the baseplate to define a cleavage edge for a mass of snow moving down an inclined roof to which the deflector unit is secured to protect a vent pipe projecting through the roof into the deflector. The front wall of the deflector comprises a wire mesh screen to permit exhaust to emanate from the vent pipe.

snow DEFLECTOR UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of protective devices for vent pipes projecting from inclined building roofs, and more particularly to an improved snow deflector unit secured to a roof and positioned over a vent pipe to divide any mass of snow which moves down the roof toward the vent pipe.

2. Description of the Prior Art While protective structures to be attached to a building roof have been generally known heretofore, so far as is known the particular configuration and construction of the subject snow deflector unit, and the particular combination of the subject snow deflector unit in conjunction with a vent pipe projecting from an inclined roof, have been unknown heretofore. For example, sheet metal ventilator covers and roof ventilators have been generally known heretofore as illustrated in the exemplary patents to Trunnell, US. Pat. No. 2,878,743,dated Mar. 24, 1959 and Hochberg, US. Pat. No. 3,083,633, dated Apr. 2, 1963; also, sheet metal chimney and eaves trough protectors have been generally known heretofore as illustrated in the exemplary patents to Porter, U.S. Pat. No. 853,897, dated May 14, 1907 and Hess, U.S. Pat. No. 233,677, dated Oct. 26, 1880. However, none of the constructions noted in the exemplary patents cited have included therein the particular deflector unit construction disclosed and claimed herein, nor the particular combination thereof with a vent pipe to protect the vent pipe from the damage which would normally be imparted thereto when a mass of snow moves down a steeply inclined roof.

The subject deflector unit is specifically formed with an abrupt cleavage edge which effectively divides any mass of snow sliding down a roof on which the unit is installed to positively preclude damage to the vent pipe surrounded thereby. However, the deflector unit in no way interferes with the venting function of the pipe so that operation of the pipe for its intended purpose is unimpaired by the protective structure surrounding the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a protective structure for a vent pipe projecting through an inclined roof of a building, and more particularly to an integral sheet metal snow deflector unit to be positioned around a building vent pipe to divide any mass of snow which moves downwardly on the roof towards the vent pipe during or following heavy snow falls so that damage heretofore frequently encountered by vent pipes is positively precluded.

The subject snow deflector unit is constructed to insure dividing of any mass of snow which passes downwardly over the inclined roof of a building toward the vent pipe. Heretofore, in the absence of such a deflector unit of the improved construction disclosed herein, vent pipes commonly were bent or broken off in response to movement of heavy masses of snow down an inclined building roof. The subject deflector unit is designed so that it may be readily produced to correspond with the pitch of a given inclined roof so as to be widely effective for its intended purpose.

From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include the provision of an improved snow deflector unit; the provision of a deflector unit which may be inexpensively produced from inexpensive sheet metal stock; the provision of a deflector unit which includes opposed inclined sidewalls connected with each other along a welldefined line which serves as a cleavage edge for a mass of snow moving downwardly across a roof on which the deflector unit is positioned in surrounding relationship to a vent pipe projecting from the roof; and the provision of an improved combination of a vent pipe projecting through a building roof and an improved deflector unit positioned in surrounding relationship relative tothe vent pipe to protect the same from snow masses moving down the roof. These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following description in which reference is directed to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of the subject snow deflector unit showing the same in relationship to a vent pipe to be protected thereby.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the deflector unit assembled and positioned on an inclined building roof.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the deflector of the unit.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the deflector unit installed on a roof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the deflector of the unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As is evident from the drawings, the subject snow deflector unit is of simple construction which may be inexpensively produced from sturdy readily available materials, such as sheet metal, preferably galvanized sheet steel or iron, capable of withstanding the elements of nature for extended periods of time. In its preferred embodiment illustrated, such snow deflector unit comprises twoprincipal components, namely an elongated sheet metal baseplate l and a sheet metal deflector 2 integrally secured to the baseplate. v

The baseplate is of generally flat rectangular configuration and includes an aperture 3 located generally along the longitudinal axis thereof somewhat closer to one end of the plate than the other end. A tapered sheet metal column 4, generally frustoconical in configuration, projects upwardly from the baseplate and is integrally secured thereto, such as by welding, in surrounding relationship relative to aperture 3. As noted in FIGS. 1 and 4, a vent pipe 6, such as a conventional plumber's vent pipe or other pipe construction commonly employed in buildings, projects upwardly through the roof 5 of the building through aperture 3 in the baseplate into and through the tapered column 4. The column at its upper end is crimped, as seen generally at 7 in FIG. I, to snugly embrace the vent pipe projecting therethrough. The baseplate is secured to the inclined building roof 5 through which the vent pipe projects in any suitable fashion, such as nailing the same beneath the shingles of the roof so that such shingles cover at least a substantial portion of thebaseplate as seen in FIG. 2.

The deflector 2 is generally pyramidal in configuration and is integrally secured to the baseplate in overlying surrounding relationship relative to vent pipe 6 and column 4. The deflector preferably is formed of the same sheet metal as is the baseplate, 26 gauge galvanized iron being suitable, and is defined by a pair of generally oppositely facing inclined sidewalls 8 and 9, each of which is generally triangular in configuration. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the sidewalls are integrally connected with each other along a well-defined and abrupt line of connection 11. The triangular configuration of the respective walls results in line of connection 11 extending at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the plane of the baseplate so that such line defines a cleavage edge along the upper surface of the deflector.

The function of the sidewalls and the cleavage line 11 therebetween is to serve as a positive divider for any mass of snow which moves downwardly over roof 5 against the deflector unit so that such snow is maintained out of contact with the vent pipe protected by the unit. The deflector .2 positively cleaves or separates any mass of snow into two separate masses which pass along opposite sides of the deflector over the sidewalls 8 and 9 thereof. It will be noted that the abrupt angle of inclination of the cleavage line 11 relative to the baseplate insures that the snow will move downwardly past the deflector rather than overlying and covering the deflector as would be possible with rounded constructions or other constructions not formed with such an abrupt cleavage line. It will also be noted that the generally pyramidal configuration of the deflector 2 is imparted thereto by its generally triangular base, as illustrated by the dotted line 12 in FIG. 1.

Each of the sidewalls 8 and 9 includes flange structure therealong, designated 13 and 14 respectively, each of which is defined by an elongated narrow flange formed integral with its associated wall along its lower margin. The flanges are bent to lie substantially coplanar with each other. Each of the flanges l3 and 14 is utilized to secure the deflector directly to the baseplate in any suitable fashion, preferably by welding, at spaced locations along the longitudinal extent of the respective flanges.

Deflector 2 includes a third or front wall 16 which is generally open to permit exhaust venting from the pipe 6 so that the pipe may serve its intended purpose. Thus any gases or the like emanating from the pipe may pass through the front wall 16 to the atmosphere. Preferably the front wall is formed of a mesh construction, which preferably takes the form of a galvanized wire mesh screen having At-inch openings therein. The wire mesh screen is held in place in any suitable fashion, such as by spotwelding the same to the sidewalls 8 and 9. In that connection, the sidewalls preferably include downwardly diverging flanges, designates l7 and 18 respectively, as best seen in FIG. 3, which are bent inwardly towards each other so as to lie generally coplanar with each other to provide mounting surfaces for the wire mesh of the front wall.

Thus, a sturdy, secure and inexpensive protective unit may be easily constructed for its intended use in combination with and surrounding a vent pipe extending through an inclined roof of a building.

It should be understood that the deflector unit is utilized most effectively when the cleavage edge 11 is positioned to extend generally horizontally when the deflector unit is mounted on the inclined roof as seen in FIG. 4. That is, the deflector unit preferably is constructed to correlate with the particular pitch of the particular roof on which it is to be installed so that the cleavage edge 11 may be oriented most effectively (i.e. substantially horizontally or slightly upwardly inclined) when the unit is positioned on the roof. When thus oriented, front wall 16 slopes slightly inwardly and downwardly to make snow blocking thereof more difficult.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.

lclaim:

1. In combination on an inclined building roof, a vent pipe projecting through said roof, and means to protect said vent pipe from masses of snow moving downwardly on said roof; said means comprising an apertured baseplate secured to said roof in surrounding relationship to said vent pipe, said vent pipe extending through the aperture in said base plate, and a hollow deflector secured to said baseplate in overlying relationship to said aperture in said baseplate and said vent pipe; said deflector comprising a pair of generally oppositely facing inclined sidewalls connected with each other along a welldeflned line of connection which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to said baseplate, said walls serving as a divider for a mass of snow moving downwardly on said roof toward said unit; and a tapered colunm integral with and projecting upwardly from said baseplate around said aperture, said vent pipe extending through said column into said deflec I01.

2. The combination of claim 1 in which said deflector is installed on said roof with said line of connection between said sidewalls extending generally horizontally.

3. The combination of claim 1 in which said hollow deflector is generally pyramidal in configuration.

4. The deflector unit of claim 1 in which said hollow deflector includes another wall extending between and connected with diverging margins of said pair of sidewalls, said other wall being defined by a mesh screen to permit exhaust therethrough from the vent pipe covered thereby.

5. The combination of claim 1 in which said baseplate, said tapered column, and said deflector are formed of sheet metal.

6. A snow deflector unit to be positioned on the inclined roof of a building to protect a vent pipe which normally projects through such roof from masses of snow moving downwardly on said roof when said deflector unit is positrone thereon, comprising an apertured baseplate to be secured to said roof in surrounding relationship to such vent pipe with such pipe extending through the aperture in said baseplate when said deflector is positioned on said roof, a tapered column integral with and projecting upwardly from said baseplate around said aperture therein to receive said vent pipe therethrough, and a hollow deflector secured to said baseplate in overlying relationship relative to said aperture therein and said tapered column; said deflector comprising a pair of generally oppositely facing inclined sidewalls connected with each other along a well-defined line of connection which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to said baseplate, said walls serving as a divider for a mass of snow moving downwardly thereagainst when said deflector unit is installed on a building roof.

7. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said hollow deflector is generally pyramidal in configuration.

8. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said hollow deflector includes another wall extending between and connected with diverging margins of said pair of sidewalls, said other wall being defined by a mesh screen to permit exhaust therethrough from said vent pipe to be covered thereby.

9. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said baseplate, said tapered column, and said deflector are formed of sheet metal.

10. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said deflector defines a generally triangular outline when viewed from beneath the same. 

1. In combination on an inclined building roof, a vent pipe projecting through said roof, and means to protect said vent pipe from masses of snow moving downwardly on said roof; said means comprising an apertuRed baseplate secured to said roof in surrounding relationship to said vent pipe, said vent pipe extending through the aperture in said base plate, and a hollow deflector secured to said baseplate in overlying relationship to said aperture in said baseplate and said vent pipe; said deflector comprising a pair of generally oppositely facing inclined sidewalls connected with each other along a well-defined line of connection which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to said baseplate, said walls serving as a divider for a mass of snow moving downwardly on said roof toward said unit; and a tapered column integral with and projecting upwardly from said baseplate around said aperture, said vent pipe extending through said column into said deflector.
 2. The combination of claim 1 in which said deflector is installed on said roof with said line of connection between said sidewalls extending generally horizontally.
 3. The combination of claim 1 in which said hollow deflector is generally pyramidal in configuration.
 4. The deflector unit of claim 1 in which said hollow deflector includes another wall extending between and connected with diverging margins of said pair of sidewalls, said other wall being defined by a mesh screen to permit exhaust therethrough from the vent pipe covered thereby.
 5. The combination of claim 1 in which said baseplate, said tapered column, and said deflector are formed of sheet metal.
 6. A snow deflector unit to be positioned on the inclined roof of a building to protect a vent pipe which normally projects through such roof from masses of snow moving downwardly on said roof when said deflector unit is positioned thereon, comprising an apertured baseplate to be secured to said roof in surrounding relationship to such vent pipe with such pipe extending through the aperture in said baseplate when said deflector is positioned on said roof, a tapered column integral with and projecting upwardly from said baseplate around said aperture therein to receive said vent pipe therethrough, and a hollow deflector secured to said baseplate in overlying relationship relative to said aperture therein and said tapered column; said deflector comprising a pair of generally oppositely facing inclined sidewalls connected with each other along a well-defined line of connection which extends at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to said baseplate, said walls serving as a divider for a mass of snow moving downwardly thereagainst when said deflector unit is installed on a building roof.
 7. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said hollow deflector is generally pyramidal in configuration.
 8. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said hollow deflector includes another wall extending between and connected with diverging margins of said pair of sidewalls, said other wall being defined by a mesh screen to permit exhaust therethrough from said vent pipe to be covered thereby.
 9. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said baseplate, said tapered column, and said deflector are formed of sheet metal.
 10. The deflector unit of claim 6 in which said deflector defines a generally triangular outline when viewed from beneath the same. 